LONG SERMON'S.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 207, 8 September 1916, Page 1 (Supplement)

LONG SERMON'S.

Some entries : n the old-time minute hooks of the Pr:m'tiv£ Methodist Chun!' ;it Silsden, in Yorkshire, throw !> light on the dislike of the members for long sermons. 1 hey are commemthe 95th anniversary of the church, and are circulating copies of the minute books among the members. One entry is particualrly trenchant. It states: " Brother Siunmersgill to speak to Brother A<-p nail on the subject oi long preai-h'ng —he preached forty nun utes too long; and Brother Aspinal' to Brotlier Xoddlfs thafl he preach forty minutes siiorter." Personal appearance and dress of ministers were also subjects of comment. In one entry it wa< derided tn report to the district meeting that " Brother Thomas Smith sliall conform to rule in dress—he has not his hair according to rule as we understand : t. or as plain as we conld I ke." Brother Butcher in yet another minute requests Brother'Harker by letter to "lay aside his green spectacles.'' The old-time Methodists were certainly zealous.